A successful, state championship-winning football coach in Kentucky was lured from retirement to return to the sidelines.
Noel Rash was hired by Conner (Hebron, Ky.) High School - located in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati - as its new coach. Rash replaces Dave Trosper, who had coached at Conner for 18 years before passing away earlier this month from a heart attack.
Previously, Rash had served 17 seasons as head coach at Beechwood High School in Fort Mitchell, Ky., before retiring in 2023. He won 200 games and eight state championships at Beechwood, including three straight Class 2A titles from 2020-22.
“I wouldn’t be here without (high school football).”
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) February 14, 2023
Noel Rash capped-off a first class career with an emotional, first-class retirement press conference.
He’s one of the most gracious & caring people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Will miss seeing Noel on the sidelines. pic.twitter.com/T5OxOvh7me
“Having to search for and replace a legend such as Dave Trosper was one of the hardest tasks I’ve had to complete as a principal,” Conner High principal Andrew Wyckoff said in a statement. “We wanted to honor his name and make sure we upheld the quality of coaching the school and Dave deserved.
“Hiring Noel Rash was a no-brainer. Not only is he an incredible head coach with years of experience and an incredible track record to prove it, but he also loves Dave and wants to honor his name and coaching legend.”
Cincinnati TV station WLWT also reported that Rash talked with his new team earlier on Thursday and will meet with the players’ parents.
Rash had joined the Beechwood staff in 2000 before being promoted to head coach in 2006. He also coached the Tigers’ baseball team from 1998-2001.
Conner will kick off its 2025 season on Aug. 22 with a game against Madison Central.